Malawi 2017

2017

In February 2017, GLOW partnered with Sunny Money Malawi to open the a Solar Center in Nkhata Bay, Malawi.

After our initial solar distribution in Malawi (February 2016), we found that the greatest need within the communities was not simply receiving lights- but rather, having a centralized place to purchase the technology, instead.

Our initial distribution was made possible by the support by two local men (Webster and Morton). Although neither of them are affiliated with a solar company, their own charitable aims within these communities made their insight for distribution planning extremely valuable.

Morton funds an orphanage and school with the profits from harvesting part of his maize farm just one time per year. Webster funds and operates SUPOCHO (Support the Poor Charity Organization), which is non-profit organization that was established in 2010 to enable orphans and vulnerable young people to study computer skills to gain a qualification and improve their lives.

Despite their best efforts to create long-lasting positive impact within their communities, both men struggle to maintain sustainable fundraising to keep their projects afloat.

GLOW was inspired by their hard work, generosity, and honesty throughout the implementation of our first solar project in Malawi. We wanted to do something to support their causes through a collaborative effort that would help to grow our mission, as well.

After arranging a meeting between our partners at Sunny Money Malawi, and Webster and Morton- we quickly agreed that these men were the perfect candidates to open and operate our first solar hub in Malawi. GLOW will donate the cost of buying land, building a shop, and supplying the initial inventory for the hub.The shop will be a complete green energy hub.​Meaning, it will be a combination of a retail store for direct, walk-in customers; as well as a place for training additional agents to continually spread the knowledge and accessibility of lights to those in off-the-grid communities.

The hub will also have a solar phone charging station, and offer financed options for those who are unable to pay the entire cost of advanced technology upfront.

The profits from the shop will go directly back into the community by funding both Webster and Morton’s youth projects.​With this approach, we are not only making clean, green, and limitless light more readily available to communities otherwise relying on kerosene light; but we are also supporting the growth of other community outreach programs, as well.